Child Support

In North Carolina, child support is determined using specific guidelines set by the Conference of Chief District Court Judges. These guidelines apply to most couples and are based on an “income shares” model, aiming to provide the same proportion of parental income for a child’s use and benefit as if the parents were still living together. The calculation takes into account several factors, including each parent’s monthly gross income, the number of nights the children spend with each parent, and other child-related expenses within the state. Deviations from the guidelines are possible but are not covered by any of the worksheets provided by North Carolina in calculating an obligation. Should you believe deviation is necessary, it is important to hire an experienced attorney to assist.

Using a Worksheet.

• To estimate child support, you must first determine which Worksheet to apply. Worksheet A, which applies to most situations, is for when there is a custodial parent and a non-custodial parent. Worksheet B is utilized in joint custody situations wherein the overnight visitations are almost equal. Worksheet C is utilized in split custody situations meaning that there are multiple children, but the children are split between two parents.

  Here is what you need to know before utilizing a worksheet:

  • Financial Information: You will need to know the gross monthly income before taxes for both parents. If a parent does not work, you can impute minimum wage at 35 hours weekly to get a better estimate of the obligation.

  • Child Care Costs: You will need to know how much each parent spends monthly on “work-related” day or night childcare. This could be the fee of a babysitter, an afterschool program, or the costs of a private day care center, but this credit only applies when it is needed because that parent is working.

  • Pre-existing Child Support payment: You will need to know how much you, and the other parent, spends on official child support orders for other children.

  • Number of other children: If either party has additional children from other relationships, then each can receive a credit for those children. However, this only applies when those children are actually living with that parent, and there is no child support obligation ordered for the credited children.

  • Health Insurance Premium costs: You will need to know how much you, or the other parent, spends monthly on the health insurance premiums for each child.

  • Extra-ordinary Expenses: This credit is given for monthly extra-ordinary expenses and could be something like monthly therapy (not covered by insurance) for a child with autism. It is important to have an experienced attorney if you believe there to be credits to be had in this category.

Remember that child support is an obligation calculated for meeting a child’s reasonable needs related to health, education, and maintenance. If you need a precise calculation, consult a legal professional to ensure compliance with North Carolina’s child support laws.

If you need an attorney, please make an appointment for a free consult.